Knee decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions do not warrant increased ratings, as they do not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board granted the veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and degenerative arthritis of both knees, as well as reopening his claim for service connection for a bilateral wrist condition. The veteran was also granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee disability is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptoms and diagnostic criteria.

The veteran seeks service connection for a right knee disorder, which he claims is related to injuries sustained during active duty. The VA has requested additional development due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his current right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left knee disability is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The veteran's claimed conditions were not found to be related to his service, and thus denied.

Throughout the rating period, the veteran's right knee disability was manifested by complaints of pain and objectively demonstrated slight impairment. The VA determined that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to procedural issues, including the need for a Statement of the Case addressing earlier effective dates and other matters.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee condition is not related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not etiologically related to service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The VA has denied all increased rating claims for the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right eye cataract, right and left ankle injuries, right and left knee injuries, and right shoulder acromioclavicular separation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her bilateral knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support the assertions of a current back disability related to service.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current left knee arthritis to his service or any service-connected conditions, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his dysthymic disorder, left knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The evaluations assigned were found to be inadequate.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected right knee disorder, as well as secondary service connection for a heart disorder. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations and a review of medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including mechanical low back strain with fibromyalgia and degenerative changes, post-operative right inguinal hernia, instability and residuals of meniscectomy of the left knee, and a post-operative scar of a right inguinal hernia, meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral leg condition, to include arthritis of the knees, and hearing loss were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of participation in extracurricular activities during service and additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's disabilities.